Turkey prepares massive amnesty over coronavirus

The ruling party of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said it has proposed a bill that provides for the release under house arrest of about 45 thousand prisoners. The authorities of the country took such a step because of the risk of the spread of coronavirus in prisons, Reuters reports.

Another bill sent to parliament provides for the release of approximately another 45 thousand prisoners on an ongoing basis.

Prisoners who have served half their term will receive the right to release. Convicts for terrorism or drug-related crimes, sexual offenses, killings and violence against women will not be released.

Prisoners over 65 can also be allowed to go home, as well as for women caring for children under the age of six.

In Turkish prisons, there are about 300 thousand prisoners. The government is working on reforms to ease pressure on the penitentiary system. At the same time, human rights organizations have warned that it is difficult to find a better place for the spread of coronavirus than prison.

In less than three weeks after the first case was registered, the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Turkey increased to 10,827. 168 people died.